Sindh Madressatul Islam University hosts guest speaker session on Indus Delta: Environmental, Socio-Economic Problems, and Solutions
Department of Environmental Sciences and ORIC jointly organized a guest speaker session on ‘Indus Delta: Environmental and socioeconomic issues and solutions’ at Sindh Madre4ssatul Islam University (SMIU) on Friday.
Guest speaker Mr. Nasir Ali Panhwar who is also an environment and climate expert explained the importance of the Indus Delta. “Water scarcity in the Indus Delta is causing many problems like fish and crab production is declining,” he said adding that 40,000 yards of land near Thatta and Badin could not produce crops. Panhwar also highlighted different socioeconomic, climate, and environmental issues of the Indus Delta and their solutions as well. “Decreased freshwater flow, construction of dams and numerous canals, clearing of mangroves for agriculture, encroachments, habitat destruction, and pollution are major threats to the Indus Delta,” said the expert.
Guest of honor, Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon also shared his thoughts and stated that looking back over ten years, Thatta and Badin were considered export hubs. The business had grown but due to lack of water in the Indus Delta, the soil did not get productive. Addressing to the policymakers, he advised that providing water to the delta as per 1991 policy would be beneficial.
Dean Faculty of Science Dr. Syed Asif Ali, Director ORIC Dr. Aamir Iqbal, Manager ORIC Dr. Muhammad Afzal, HoD of Environmental Science, Dr Imran Ali, Abdul Majeed Perzado, faculty and students from different departments were present at guest speaker session.